Dance Evenings in the Carmelite Courtyard
The special settings of the
Carmelite Courtyard
within a historic building atop
Castle Hill
present a special setting for summer evenings of open-air dance performances. While there are various styles of dance shows happening from July 21 to August 15, on several
occasions you can see Hungarian folk dancing at its very finest.
One of the country's
very best folk-dance ensembles – the Honvéd Dance Theatre company
– performs
"Csárdás - the Tango of the East"
on July 29
at 8:30pm. The ensemble's second performance on August 5 at 8:30pm will be a selection of traditional dances from the Kalotaszeg region. Both performances will be followed by a "dance house" –
a chance for the audience to try some steps.
Additionally,
the Fitos Dezső Dance Company is presenting its
"The Hungarian Village"
on August 8 and August 14 at 8:30pm. This mesmerizing performance will also be followed by a dance house.
Tickets are still available for these summer dance evenings
that shine under starlight.
Masters of folk arts
The
Festival of Folk Arts takes place every year on the cobblestoned courtyards that surround the Royal Palace, in conjunction with
celebrations for
Hungary's
most cherished national holiday August 20. This event
draws a crowd of thousands within the castle walls for the various handicraft stalls, delicious traditional Hungarian food, local wines and beers, and more. Alongside the handmade musical instruments, delicately embroidered tablecloths, and
grilled sausages, one
of the most memorable aspects
of the festival can be
the various performances of folk dance and music .
This year the festival happens during
August 16-20, and performers include the Bihari János Ensemble, Herczku Ágnes and Nikola Parov, and Folkembassy, plus a special meeting of local and foreign folk dancers in an extravaganza called "Here and Beyond the Border". While the exact schedule has not yet been finalized, visitors can catch the moving
folk culture of Hungary at any time during the festival
–
men fiercely
cracking bullwhips, older women wearing
traditional outfits, and craftspeople showing traditional techniques of age-old artisanship.
A Hungarian rhapsody The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble is one of the best dance groups in the country. Luckily for visitors it's not taking a summer break and has a
range of performances throughout the summer. Its show
"Hungarian Rhapsody" is an excellent introduction to the folk dancing and music of the region, displaying a selection of the genre's most characteristic features in an almost two-hour extravaganza. The spectacular dance is accompanied by live music that in itself is beautiful - particularly with its powerful solos.
From the 12th of August til September 23 these performances will take place two to three times per week at the Budai Vigadó. Tickets start at 3,600 HUF.Eternal love for folk art As the very last of the warm days come to an end, Budapest's various theaters and opera houses begin to dust off after the long summer break. On September
26 at the
Palace of Arts , The Hungarian National Dance Group will take the audience on a journey of discovery through the treasures of the country's folk-art traditions. The "Sundaze/Peacock Variations" show brings to life folk culture's striking costumes, rhythmic melodies, and intricate dances. Its theme is centered on the peacock motif –
a symbol of eternal love in Hungarian folk art.
Tickets are still available starting at 2,500 HUF.
Village atmosphere in a traditional "dance house"
A freezing winter's night is the traditional setting for a "dance house", where dancing pairs gather around the band until the wee hours while consuming plenty of p á linka to keep warm. But even during the summer there are a few places where you can check out a traditional "dance house" –
and of course you're welcome to join in!Pótkulcs is a live-music venue near Nyugati train Station (65b Csengery Street) where there a free-entry informal dance house happens on most Tuesday nights (check before you go there). This rustic venue is a great place to check out live folk music and meet others who can share their love for this tradition.
On July 31, August 14, and
August 28,
hosts
these dance nights with live music and the Csürrentő dance group there to help kick things off. The price is 500 HUF, and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere means that even those new to folk dance will have a good time.
Step back in time
About 60 minutes from Budapest in the town of Szentendre, the Skanzen museum is a huge village of traditional Hungarian houses hosting actors who replicate traditional Hungarian village life. The Szentendre Open Air Museum is particularly popular with children, and provides up-close looks at folk architecture, interior decoration, farming, and the way of life of centuries past. There's a special summer program from July 18 to August 31, and as 2014 is established as the year of the lamb here, visitors can get up close and personal with the star attraction and even learn how to wash sheep's wool.
Plan your day and make the most of the activities.
The Hungarian Heritage House
If handcrafts and artisanal works interest you, then check out the programs of the Hungarian Heritage House. Aside from preserving Hungarian folk dance and music, it organizes a range of special events. This summer there's a leather craft exhibition, a folk art and furniture design exhibition, and the display of masterpieces of the Young Masters of Folk Art competition to consider.
